but I'm not feelin' it. I've heard amazing Furthur shows from a year later. This still just sounds too tentative.

To Prodigal Son,
In regards to Bobby, well he is one of the best guitarists in rock history. Listen to any soundboard from 1972-74 and you will hear his genius. His playing is unique and perfectly compliments the music. Nearly every Jerry song from that era (and thereafter) has incredible rhythm parts by Bob. Jerry is essentially "plunking" while he sings and Bobby plays MOST OF THE GUITAR during Jerry's songs (during vocal verses).
Yes the band had problems with Bob during the early years (67-69), but he got the message and became one of the best and most unique guitarists in rock.
He was certainly overshadowed by Garcia, but don't discount his amazing playing.
Listen to any Crazy Fingers, Row Jimmy or Althea from the 1980's and you will hear the most sublime and perfect playing.
You have to really listen to hear how good it is, that is why it is SO GOOD.
Go to this "how to play" site and about the one minute mark he features Bob's licks in Half-Step
http://www.youtube.com/user/JDarks#p/u/107/2x4ST9Jxs20
If you really start listening to Bob you will hear IT.

I was at this show as well as the 11th in CT. I have also seen many Ratdog, Phil, Other Ones, Dead or whatever name the band on stage was using that night. Personally, I prefer when the lead guitarist does not try to sound like Jerry, and the band has its own distinct sound from the Grateful Dead. Having said that, as much as John does sound similar to Jerry, the band is still very different. For one, Phil is out front in the music then he ever was with the Grateful Dead. Bobby is more creative with his rhythyms, and Jeff certainly sounds different from Brent or Vince. The bands approach is different, and lets face facts, if Jerry was still alive, the set lists would be dramatically different. After Jerry's death, so many songs were taken back out of the vault. Never say never. I find it hard to believe that this will be tha last time Bobby and Phil will play together.

I think this is just another chapter in what has been many chapters since Jerry's death. I think Jerry is looking down with a big smile because the vibe and spirit of the Grateful Dead is alive and well in whatever band is on stage.

By the way, I thought both 12/8 and 12/11 were both great shows.

nice sound on this recording. but as far as the music goes, i dont feel it.
i find it a bit creepy that JK kind of sounds like jerry, and even more disturbing at how phil and bob are trying desperatly to sound like the grateful dead.
i'm also confused about why they dropped warren billy and mickey from the line up, or just didnt go with this line up from the start.
shows like this help me understand why some heads got off the bus in the late 70's and early 80's.
it's just my .02

My last show was Furthur Festival '97 at Alpine Valley. After hearing THIS show I got excited enough to get a ticket for 3.2.10 in Chicago. For me, all of a sudden the magic's back, and only Bill and Mickey could make it even better.

Driving home from work last night I turned on JAM ON on Sirius who was doing the week in live music. The Scarlet>Fire from 12/8 had just started. I was blown away! My first thought was it was the dead, then JK started to sing and I got even more excited. I'm a huge fan of DSO and can't believe JK has joined the boys to for Furthur. This is the best sound they've had since Jerry left us. All other incarnations just sound like Phil and Friends to me.

I don't understand the criticism of the taping (go do it yourself if you want a different sound - or buy the soundboards) and I really don't get the criticism of the band. Jerry is gone. We'll never have that again. But, the music lives on and that is the important thing. Bringing JK into the band really says they are ensuring the music lives on. Phil and Bobby won't be touring much longer and are setting the stage for what comes next.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for this tape. I cannot wait for 3/5 & 3/6 when they hit the Odeum here in Colorado!

"kgltdeadshow" - Do you record live concerts? I can not find anything on archive with your name attached.

It is fine to say something along the lines of "I wish there was less crowd noise in this recording." That might be a fair criticism (though I disagree in this particular case). To give instructions to a taper is a bit ridiculous. Shotguns would probably sound bad in a place as small as the Hammerstein (though I have never tried or heard guns in that room). Putting the mic stand higher potentially sacrifices some sound quality, depending on the configuration of the stacks. Most stacks are pointed at the floor for a reason. They are configured to provide the sweet spot of sound at human ear level near the soundboard. This theater has two levels of balconies, but the stacks are still pointed downward. Crowd control is an issue, but there is only so much a taper can do without ruining his or her own experience at the show and / or getting in fights or creating additional crowd noise with arguments, etc.

People should feel free to criticize sound quality. That is good discussion. If you really want a different type of tape though, run your own rig and show us how it's done...

@olympiaroad - Regarding your comment: "Now, in defense of our Bobby. Bobby is an artist, an American original and a rock n roll pioneer. He is the most arguably among the most original of all rock guitarist, lead or rhythm."

I can respect your opinion but I can't give you that Bobby is an: "American original and most arguably among the most original of all rock guitarist, lead or rhythm."

Like many here, I've followed and totally love the Dead since '76. But I never once have I nor any article I've ever read considered Bobby in this high regard. He was a Band that could considered those things but there are numerous articles of Bobby being almost kicked out for not being good enough or changing the chords so he could play them.

I just want to give a great big thank you to Bobby and Phil for finally doing what a lot of us have been asking for.....Playing w/ a guitarist that can handle the songs the way they're supposed to be played....THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

as I was reading the reviews, I came across one I am compelled to respectfully disagree with.
With regards to having a great recording, such as this one, made better (???) by eliminating the magical blended harmonies of the faithfull singing joyously along with the boys is like saying a dead show would be better if you could remove the smell of the kind hazy cloud of sticky-icky which predominates the atmosphere the moment the lights go out.
any recording which doesnt have an audible interplay between band and audience simply misses the point in my OPINION.
Simply stated I would like to thank the good soul at the controls for delivering the sound of the magic we faithful are still chasing from show to show and download to download.
See ya'll at Barton Hall on Valentines day-got my tix today and I cant wait ;))

Nice recording. Thanks to the taper! Now, in defense of our Bobby. Bobby is an artist, an American original and a rock n roll pioneer. He is the most arguably among the most original of all rock guitarist, lead or rhythm. He is "Bobby" from the Grateful Dead and the only one we've got! Part of his artistry, *(and one could argue, part of the definition of artistry in general) is that Bobby does not sing it like the record, like Jerry, like anybody's favorite live version; he does it his own way and refuses to remain static. *(People have complained about this aspect of Bob Dylan's artistry since 1965. He still doesn't care and continues to break new ground every single show he plays.) I have no quarrel with JK singing either. I suppose I'd prefer original GD members to do the singing as a rule, but I defer, again, to the artists in this regard, *(with special thanks to the artists for not having WH play guitar. And yes, I suppose even saying that contradicts the philosophy of my statements above...oh well. Sure wish the rhythm devils were on board. One of these days, one of these tours, maybe it will ALL come together...

I think they will know and work offeach other in the next concerts in Feb. They sound good but I expect they will get better.

Why is Bobby singing "Days Between"? For that matter, and yes this is my opinion, why is he singing Jerry tunes when JK is finally around? I don't get that.

That said, the band sounds awesome. There are some real moments here it just hits me as such a let down when something like "Days" (a real personal fave) comes up and Bobby sings. Other than that, I'm digging it. Excellent recording.

Those Warren shows were fun, but Warren just couldn't preserve the essence of the Dead sound... John does a nice mix of Jerry and his own sounds.

This is the first time I felt tempted to hop back on tour since the late 80s!

They teased the Other One throughout the beginning of the second set. I was psyched when they finally hit it!!!

2nd night was a lot of fun also. I wish my wife would let me hit the CT show tonight and Jersey... Oh well, got to grow up someday, right?!! There is always Radio City and Mohegan Sun in two and a half months. Can't wait for those...

Thanks for the quick post. Good show at a great place. The post that wrote about 10 pounds in a five-pound bag is right on target. I saw Phil at the Hammerstein a few years back and wow was it crowded!!!!

To the person who feels this is the best ensemble, don't forget about some of the shows with Kimock, very strong playing by a great musician!!!

Heading to the Oakdale tomorrow and can’t wait!!!!!

John K F'ed up the lyrics a little bit, but it's his first day. No harm no foul.

His Scarlet/Fire was spot on.

This band is still getting it running legs but there are some nice gems in here. The end jam of Reuben & Cherise into LL Rain is excellent, as is the set ending Cosmic Charlie. I have to say I really enjoyed the first half of the second set the best. The KSM> Days is really good and has some great interplay too. I love CR&S but not as a 2nd set closer.
Looking forward to the weekend big time.

Great Playing!!! Phil is at the top of his game, Bobby hasnt sounded this good in 15 years, JK is truely gifted, and the drummers are as good as it gets!
A five star recording too!! Fantastic recording, thanks for the music.

I was at the show last night. This band is in my opinion gets the #2 spot in best incarnation of the band after Jerry died,#1 being the 2009 DEAD.The show was Excellent !!!!
The jam that started led into a rockin Truckin followed by a real nice Dire Wolf.I tought it was nicely done, slow than the latter year Jerry versions but real good stuff.Doin That Rag was a fucken POWERHOUSE. Rueben and Cherise was done beautifully with a nice little Carribian flair
Ramble on Rose and Looks Like Rain lead us into a SMOKIN 1st set closer of Cosmic Charlie. Tough song to do live with some intricate harmonies but boy o boy they nailed it.
Drums into King Solomons Marbles was incredible and seemed to me flawless.He's Gone led us back to the early days with Phil on lead vocals of New Patato Caboose (what a FN treat)
After some fucking with our heads and teasing the band let into a strong Other One with Bobby in fine form followed by a sweet Days Between (it will always belong to only Jerry but nicely done)
Scarlet Fire as the lead up to the encore was great. Donor Rap and a Touch of Grey encore. Nice wa\y to end the show.
As far as the 10 lbs of patatos in a 5 lb bag it's about the Hammerstein. They always oversell that fucken place and it's impossible to move on the floor level. Getting a beer or going to the bathroom is like a task on fucken survivor. Thank god i was standing on the decl behind that soundboard so I was able to see everything and move a liitle but boy otherwise it was a pain in the ass. Or maybe I'm just getting old.
I'm hitting both nights in Asbury later this week which is so cool being it's 20 minutes from my house. Look any east coast heads who can somehow score a ticket for Asbury should go because this band is tight - well rehearsed and amazing. plus be ready to be rocked by some 40 year old nuggets like Doin that Rag & Caboose.
Find a ticket & go - you won't be dissapointed.

crazy that you can hear the fans singing louder then the band. put your Mics higher use shot guns better yet post a sign on your mic stand "THIS IS NOT A SING ALONG" Dire wolf sounds like a folkie sing along

Climb aboard the Further bus, strap yourself in your seat. It's a wild ride thru the time machine of Dead history.
Close your eyes, and you'll swear Jerry is still with us. Not just in spirit. JK's vocals on Jerry tunes are spot on. His guitar work is often note for note the sounds etched in my memory bank of Dead shows of yore.
The show's highlights feature songs from the Dead's early days, Cosmic Charley, Doin' that Rag, and the first part of The Other One. Add a really nice Scarlet-Fire with Touch of Grey encore, and it made for a grate evening : - )

I kinda would like to hear them cover this song!

THANK you for the Music that NEVER stops.

45+ years and GOING AND GOING.